Solitary Sunset
Sitting alone on my small porch, I don the fragrance of Chanel No. 5, anticipating the moment as I hold a glass of luscious ruby Beaujolais. An exquisite plate adorned with chilled green grapes and generous slices of Fontina rests beside me. The gentle ocean breeze delicately caresses my cheek, carrying the refreshing scent of the sea. Savoring each sip, I patiently wait and watch. The azure blue sky gradually transitions into a mesmerizing palette of delicate gold, followed by a blush pink horizon. It has been a year since I courageously insisted on a divorce. Now, I find solace and contentment while basking in the glory of a beautiful summer sunset. I am alone, yet complete and at peace. — Wendy Maldonado D’Amico
Spontaneous Grooms
During the July of 2000, San Diego Pride organized a mass commitment ceremony for numerous same-sex couples. Although single, I attended the event to witness the abundance of love. “Please turn to your partner and repeat these vows,” instructed the minister. On a whimsical impulse, I turned to the attractive stranger standing next to me and asked, “Would you like to do this?” He responded affirmatively. Holding hands, we exchanged vows, the final one being: “I promise to support you to your highest potential.” Afterward, we sealed our commitment with a kiss, and Eli turned to me and asked, “Now that we’re married, what’s your name?” It has now been 23 remarkable years of faithfully fulfilling our promise. — Joseph Bennett
A Marriage of Inconvenience
When we first married in 1978, I was young and full of insecurity. During one heated argument, I uttered to my husband, “You only stay married to me because I’m convenient.” His response, filled with patience, love, and a hint of a smile, still resonates with me today. He said, “Honey, you aren’t all that convenient.” — Donna Rochester
‘I’ll Take You There’
When my mother started undergoing chemotherapy, I made a promise to myself that we would watch every movie ever made together. We made an earnest effort for a while, but her illness eventually took a toll, leaving her in need of earlier nights and simpler leisure activities. She began substituting movies for YouTube videos showcasing the beauty of the Philippines. We would watch a man with a camera, strolling through her village and tenderly touching mangoes in the market. Together, we immersed ourselves in the sights and sounds of places like Baguio and Cebu City. As we listened to the familiar hum of her homeland, I held on to a glimmer of hope, whispering to her, “I’ll take you there. I will.” — Ashley Jeffalone
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